Scuderia Ecosse Test Day notes

ALL SYSTEMS GO AT LE MANS

The on-track action for the 2006 Le Mans 24 Hours began today with the traditional pre-race test day. Scuderia Ecosse completed a full test programme and ended the day at the top of the GT2 timesheets with Andrew Kirkaldy's lap of 4:04.252. The first job for Scuderia Ecosse was for Chris Niarchos to complete 10 laps in order to qualify to drive at Le Mans. The Greek/Canadian was uncharacteristically quiet before his run as he contemplated the daunting morning ahead of him. This is Chris' first time at Le Mans.

Chris Niarchos: "I definitely had butterflies before my first run. Le Mans comes with such a massive reputation that it's hard not to feel a little nervous. Once I was out there though it was awesome, what a place! It's a tough track as there are very few markers, its all guardrails and trees, but I enjoyed every second of it. The key thing for me is getting used to working out the speed of the prototypes as they come at you from nowhere but I learn more each ap and I can't wait for the race!"

Andrew Kirkaldy: "The car feels really good and is very well balanced, whatever the fuel level. We weren't sure where we were on pace compared to the Porsches so we put in a quick lap, not an all-out qualifying lap, but a quick one, and we were pleased to find ourselves on top. Let's hope we carry on like this!"

Tim Mullen: "Well the car feels fast, it's good to drive and it's consistent so if it stays that way I'll be a very happy man! It's the ideal car for a 24 hour race and I am thoroughly enjoying driving it here!"

Stewart Roden, Team Principal: "We're happy to be fastest today! We ran through a structured test programme with Michelin and we're extremely pleased with the results so far. This is just the beginning though, there is a long way to go yet." With the test day complete the next appearance for the team will be for Scrutineering on Tuesday 12th June before qualifying begins on Wednesday 13th.

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